FC Barcelona News: 3 July 2012; Eric Abidal's Recovery Going Well, Six Barça Players in Team of EURO 2012

Abidal recovery on track | Sky Sports
Doctors have been impressed with his recovery and, although he is still not allowed to leave his house where he is convalescing, his agent believes his career is not yet over. "The recovery of Eric Abidal is on the right course," David Venditelli told Catalunya Com radio. "But he is unable to fix a concrete date for his return to football.

Tito Vilanova Manager Profile - ESPN Soccernet
Given his first job in management because he "represents the play style, the analysis, the planning, the commitment and the personality" of the club he began his playing career with in 1984, Vilanova's appointment raised many eyebrows but also soothed many Catalan concerns.

Six Barça players named to the Team of the Tournament | FC Barcelona
UEFA named six FC Barcelona players to the EURO Team of the Tournament. Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Cesc Fàbregas feature along side 17 footballers in UEFA’s all-star team. The only Barça players to not be named to the Team of the Tournament, which is dominated by 10 Spanish and Catalan players, are Víctor Valdés (who didn’t play), Pedro and Afellay.

Xavi Hernández, the passing king | FC Barcelona
Xavi Hernández’ Eurocup campaign started off slow but ended with a bang. In the final against Italy, the Azulgrana's performance was magisterial: a laser guided assist to Jordi Alba in the 2-0 play and winning the ball back and assisting Fernando Torres for the 3-0. Xavi simply outplayed everyone in the midfield last night in Kiev.

Barça’s Spanish champs earn global praise | FC Barcelona
The Italian Gazzetta dello sport, admitted: "the technical and athletic superiority of the Iberians", whilst Il Corriere della sera reckoned "Spain Humiliate Italy" and La Gazetta featured a deflated Balotelli under the headline: "bitter tears"

Andrés Iniesta named MVP of EURO 2012 | FC Barcelona
Iniesta was named the man of the match in three of Spain’s six games thanks to his brilliant performances in the EURO. The first was against Italy, the second was against Croatia and, finally, in the title match against Azzurri. In addition, Iniesta was subbed out in the final on 88 minutes and he received a standing ovation from the supporters.

Sergio Busquets first on the team sheet | FC Barcelona
Busquets is one of the first names on the team sheet for both Barça and Spain and despite not yet being 24 – his birthday is July 16th – he is virtually irreplaceable. He was given his debut by Pep Guardiola in the coach’s second game in charge, on September 13th 2008 and has made incredible progress since then.

Thiago: "Jordi Alba is fast and very good" | FC Barcelona
Thiago Alcántara is pleased that FC Barcelona signed Jordi Alba, who still needs to pass a medical exam and pen his first contract with the Club. "I like the signing. He’s always been a Culé and he’s a home-grown footballer, he already knows how we play," said the midfielder, who noted that he got to know the left back during his time with the Spanish national team. "He’s fast and very good," he added.

Dalian Aerbin chairman Li Ming dismisses link with Barcelona's Seydou Keita - Goal.com
Dalian Aerbin chairman Li Ming has rubbished speculation linking his club with a €15 million move for Barcelona's Mali international Seydou Keita. Mundo Deportivo had reported that the 32-year-old midfielder was being chased by the newly-promoted Chinese club on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The ultimate dynasty: How Spain can dominate for years to come - Goal.com
It was supposed to be their crowning glory. A third title in four years on the football field, the culmination of a decade or more of exertion, evolution and excellence. But as Spain strode to Euro 2012 success on Sunday in Kiev, an incredible idea hit home: what if this is just the start?

Jose Mourinho Manager Profile - ESPN Soccernet
FC Porto took note of the young manager's talents and snapped him up after a poor start to the 2002-03 season. The side then stormed to the league title, the domestic cup and UEFA Cup final in his first season. Almost inevitably, the 2003-04 season yielded more success with Porto retaining their league title but, of course, the outstanding success was their clinching of the Champions League trophy.

Callejon wants Madrid stay - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Callejon, 25, is not one of Madrid's most famous names but made 36 appearances last season - the majority from the bench - and hopes to be given another chance to impress. "I will not move," Callejon told AS. "I am very comfortable in Madrid. I know Mourinho well, and he trusts me. There are many reasons why I want to continue.

Bayern Munich chasing Real Madrid's Sami Khedira - report - ESPN Soccernet
Bayern Munich want to sign Germany international Sami Khedira but Real Madrid will only entertain their advances if Bastian Schweinsteiger is allowed to move in the other direction, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Real Betis to retire Miki Roque's shirt - Goal.com
Real Betis have announced that they will retire the No.26 jersey in honour of Miki Roque, who passed away last month, aged 23. The defender lost his battle with pelvic cancer on June 24 and Spain internationals Sergio Ramos and Cesc Fabregas were among those to pay tribute to the former Liverpool man.

Campbell relishing Real Betis move - Goal.com
Arsenal forward Joel Campbell has claimed that he will spend next season on loan at Real Betis. The Costa Rica international had been looking forward to returning to the Emirates this summer after a season-long stay at Lorient but he is now eagerly awaiting his imminent move to Spain.

Mallorca and Espanyol agree Marquez and Tejera swap deal - Goal.com
Mallorca and Espanyol have agreed a swap deal which will see midfielders Javi Marquez and Sergio Tejera exchange clubs. Marquez made just nine league appearances for Espanyol during the 2011-12 season after struggling with an ankle injury throughout. Tejera, who will move in the other direction, spent six years at Espanyol as a youngster before joining Chelsea in 2006 for a three-year spell.